Your General Health May be Impacted by The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss

Your overall life can be seriously affected by hearing loss, in a way that goes beyond the inability to hear. Having trouble executing daily activities, and strained relationships are some examples of the general effect of hearing loss.

A survey conducted by AARP found that quality of life is more seriously impacted by hearing loss than:

Diabetes

Stroke

Obesity

Cancer

Even though it gets in the way of their lifestyle, many people who have hearing loss refuse to get treatment. Researchers have discovered that a lot of people suffering from hearing loss are still anxious about a perceived stigma attached to it. People are worried they will be treated differently if others find out they have hearing loss. An altered self image can be formed as a result of this perception, impacting the young and the old.

Many Others Also Have Hearing Loss

As lifespans grow longer, hearing loss has become more prevalent, in spite of the fact that it can effect people of all ages, The World Health Organization reports that over 1.1 billion people are at risk of hearing loss and the perceptions that come with it, many of them young adults. As a matter of fact, hearing loss is one of the most widespread health issues adults deal with. The reluctance to get help persists even while the number of people with hearing loss grows. What is the effect on overall health?

What is The Perception of Hearing Loss?

The story is pretty much demonstrated by the very definition of stigma, which is a brand that labels a person as inferior. The anxiety for a lot of people with hearing loss is that they will seem less capable, older, and possibly less healthy.

Historically, there is some basis for this concern. A 2010 study revealed people were not as well accepted when they had hearing loss. But the data from this study is almost a decade old. As hearing loss becomes more common, this perception is improving. Cutting edge, stylish, and fun technology is currently available that even has celebrities openly wearing hearing aids. Other health problems related to aging, like cognitive decline and dementia may be delayed or even prevented by getting treatment, researchers say. This is also helping to change the perception. Despite this, some people still don’t get the help they need.

Why Does It Matter?

There are health consequences for not getting treatment, so don’t allow your concern about negative perception stop you from getting help. People get colonoscopies, according to an AARP survey, more often than they get hearing tests. Not recognizing your hearing loss, not getting a hearing examination and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, this is especially true over time.

Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss

These bodily consequences of not taking care of your hearing loss will affect your general health;

Fatigue

Everything in life is more tiring when you are struggling to hear. It becomes a difficult task to try and hear conversations and common sounds. Because you can’t hear traffic or that person walking up behind you, you need to put more effort into keeping safe also. All that extra energy you put into everyday tasks will lead to chronic fatigue.

Migraines

Headaches and even migraines can be triggered by stress and tension. You might not realize there is a connection, but studies have shown a link between migraines and certain kinds of hearing loss. Your brain needs to make up for what you can’t hear, so even if you don’t normally suffer from migraines, the constant effort can make your headache.

Mental Health

You could possibly also be facing mental health problems as a result of your untreated loss of hearing like depression and social anxiety. Hearing loss could increase social isolation and has even been connected to dementia. Moodiness and reduced energy levels go hand-in-hand with these other issues.

The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss Can be Surmounted

Taking the first step and get help if you want to overcome these negative perceptions. Hearing loss is treatable. Your only causing your own suffering by not seeking help.

Not all hearing loss is permanent, either, so you could be stressing out for no reason. You won’t know what the problem is unless you make an appointment to get a hearing exam. It could be as simple as earwax buildup.

Recognizing you have hearing loss is not enough, it’s important to do something about it. There are many style options nowadays. If you don’t want other people to know about your condition, then get a hearing aid that is less visible.

You can prove everyone wrong if you handle your hearing loss in the right way. Wear your hearing aids and show people you are just as active, happy, and involved as everyone else. Everyone who experiences hearing loss will also be helped by your actions. Negative perceptions are social poisons so be strong and raise awareness to change them.